The F1 paddock is 'scared to death' at Hamilton's situation at Ferrari

11:54, 08 Aug

Updated: 12:50, 08 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

Tom Kristensen has shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s difficult season with Ferrari, noting that the seven-time world champion appears to be taking his struggles particularly hard. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Kristensen reflected on Hamilton’s recent performance and mindset.

"Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari, he’s struggling, and he was very hard on himself," Kristensen said. "But yes, he had his home race at Silverstone that didn’t go to plan. This season is tough for him."

Hamilton qualified 12th in Hungary, while teammate Charles Leclerc took pole. After the woeful Saturday afternoon session he slammed himself with 'useless' comments and calling for Ferrari to effect a driver switch immediately. The Briton finished the race in the same position the following day, with Leclerc ending up fourth.

"He goes to a circuit where he has eight wins, nine poles. And if he’s not winning, he’s definitely always on the podium, like last year," Kristensen added.

"So, it must be really hard, and to see Lewis lining up after the race in a queue at the Jo Bauer [cue] when he has to get weighed. He kept his helmet on."

"There were five or six drivers in front of him who had to get weighed before. I think he takes it hard on himself, and it’s tough to see."

Kristensen sees Hamilton 'taking the fall', but drivers 'race on confidence'

Kristensen also praised Hamilton for his honesty. "I have the deepest respect for people putting their hand up like that. And of course, a seven-time world champion doing that. But on the other hand, they don’t race on fuel, they race on self-confidence. So, to have it all there, I think it gets a little bit under his skin, unfortunately."

"I want to see him do well, and I hope he really finds his mojo. But people in the paddock, they worry about Lewis. He one hundred per cent has a contract for next year. Ferrari wants him to do well the most."